Kampala, 10 March 2017 - The Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa, has today, Friday 10th March 2017 received Credentials for the incoming Country Representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Alain Sibenaler.

Mr Sibenaler expressed his pleasure at the new post appreciating the tremendous support the Government of Uganda had extended to his predecessors. Mr Sibenaler further expressed gratitude to H.E the president on his commitment to different aspects of family planning and selected reproductive rights.

Hon. Kutesa welcomed Mr Sibenaler to Uganda and said that UNFPA has distinguished itself as a useful partner to Uganda. He stated that Uganda’s young population and large numbers, whilst recognized as an asset, raise their own challenges.  He hoped that the partnership with UNFPA would focus on taking advantage of the roadmap offered in the AU Agenda 2063 theme of Harnessing the Demographic Dividend.

Mr Sibenaler agreed, stating that Uganda is one of the few countries where the link between the peace dividend and the demographic dividend are apparent. He also took the opportunity to announce a visit by both the UNFPA executive Director and the UK Secretary of state for DFID to visit Uganda in the near future.

Mr Sibenaler, a national of Luxembourg has worked in the UN system since 1996 and holds various degrees from the University of Montepellier III, the University of Paris and University of Stellenbosch specializing in Migrant Labor, Political Science and Management. He has previously served as UNFPA Country Representative in Sri Lanka and Cameroon, UNFPA Country Director in the Maldives, and as Deputy Representative in Afghanistan.

Hon. Kutesa wished him a pleasant term of duty in Uganda.